We moved into this house a year ago and have been living with this 60's style kitchen ever since. Eventually we'd like to do a major reno (maybe move the door to the dining room to give more wall space and counter) but in the meantime we're going to do some smaller updates.

We're likely going to buy an 18 inch dishwasher to put to the right of the sink and buy a small island on wheels to give us some extra counter space and storage. We've chosen Palladian Blue (Benjamin Moore) for the walls and plan on hiring someone to repaint the cabinets (in a white colour). We may also replace the current counter. I would like to replace the light fixture closest to the sink with a schoolhouse light. I'll also add some new window treatments.

My questions are:

- Should I go with brushed nickel for the cabinet hardware or black? I like the look of brushed nickel (or chrome) but the wrought iron railing and black in the floor makes me think black might look better. I'm also wondering if I should get the schoolhouse light in black or nickel.

- What colour counter? I'm thinking black or a deep grey.